Product Spotlight on Drivable Grass®
The Hudson River Valley in New York State is known for its bucolic environment, natural beauty, and quaint little villages along this ancient waterway. In the town of Hastings on Hudson, Old Croton Aqueduct National Park is a favorite destination for area residents who enjoy the walking trails along the river. A recent project by the Architectural Firm of Baldwin & Franklin features three different residences on a shared lot just across from the trail. An area was needed for off-street parking for up to seven vehicles. The Planning Board wanted to be assured that whatever was used to create the unique, diagonally shaped parking space would blend well with the natural surroundings and not distract from the Aqueduct Trailway. Ned Baldwin, Senior Partner with the firm, proposed Drivable Grass.
“By using Soil Retention’s Drivable Grass instead of asphalt paving, we easily gained the approval of the Planning Board,” says Baldwin. “The grass we planted over it turned green in less than three weeks, which was very encouraging, but the winter was the most severe we’ve had in 15 years with as much as 30” of snowfall at one time. Despite that terrible winter so soon after its installation, it continues to thrive.”
Baldwin continues, “It’s a miracle product to us because it really works. It’s amazing how the grass has held despite daily use by the homeowners. By not eliminating any more green areas than necessary, we’ve added to the park-like setting and created a beautiful win-win with our project.”
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At-A-Glance
Specifying Architects – Ned Baldwin and Annabelle Rolland, Baldwin & Franklin Architects, Hastings on Hudson, NY
Sales Rep – Danny Reynaga, CPESC, QSD National Inside Sales, Soil Retention
Product Featured – 1800sf of permeable Drivable Grass from Soil Retention